Can i build a carport without a permit in Moncton if it's open on three sides and under a certain size?

No, you cannot build a carport in Moncton without a permit, regardless of size or how many sides are open. The City of Moncton requires building permits for all accessory structures including carports, regardless of whether they're fully enclosed or open-sided.

Moncton's building permit requirements are quite comprehensive compared to some rural areas. Even a simple open carport with just a roof and one wall requires a building permit through the City's Planning & Development department (506-856-4375). The permit ensures the structure meets setback requirements, doesn't exceed lot coverage limits, and complies with the National Building Code structural requirements for snow loads — which is crucial in New Brunswick where we regularly see 250+ cm of annual snowfall.

Setback requirements are typically the biggest consideration for carport placement. In most Moncton residential zones, you'll need to maintain specific distances from property lines (usually 1.5-3 meters depending on the zone), and the structure cannot obstruct sightlines at intersections. The city also has maximum lot coverage rules that limit how much of your property can be covered by buildings and structures.

For a basic single-car carport (12' x 20'), you're looking at $150-300 in permit fees plus the cost of having drawings prepared if required. The permit process typically takes 2-3 weeks for straightforward accessory structures. While this might seem like an unnecessary expense for an "open" structure, the permit protects you from potential bylaw enforcement issues and ensures your insurance coverage remains valid.

Foundation requirements will depend on your carport design. Even open carports need proper footings extending below the 4+ foot frost line in the Moncton area. A concrete pad or sonotube footings are typical solutions, and these definitely require engineering consideration for our freeze-thaw cycles.

Some homeowners think they can avoid permits by building a "temporary" structure, but Moncton defines temporary quite strictly — usually 30 days maximum. A permanent carport, even if it's just posts and a roof, needs proper permitting.

Contact Moncton's Planning & Development office early in your planning process. They can walk you through the specific requirements for your property and zone, which will save you time and potential headaches down the road.